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The City of Winder will be seeing savings of $30,000 a month over the next decade with Tuesday’s approval of refinancing of 1998 bonds.
Finance Director Leslie Ginn explained at Monday’s work session and Tuesday’s meeting that a $300,000 savings can be gained with the early call for some of the bonds, which are at an average of 4.97 percent.
By locking in with financing before the end of 2008, an average of 3.29 percent means "two pickup trucks," said Mayor Chip Thompson at the work session.
Attorney John Stell said the refinancing option has only positives for the city.
The closing costs and premiums for the early call will be rolled into the new bond so the city will see little increase in the amount with no change in the remaining 10-year term.
Councilman Frank Dunagan made the motion for the refinance move, with Councilman J.R. Parrish offering the second. The motion was unanimously passed.
Libation could also be forthcoming at city-sponsored events with the passage, with a waived second reading, on an ordinance related to alcoholic beverages. Patterned after the town of Hoschton’s ordinance for alcohol provisions at special events and under special circumstances, the ordinance spells out the goal to promote the business district and the city in general.
A two drink on-street limit is provided for, as is the type and size of drinking dispenser. No drinkingfrom cans, bottles or glass containers will be permitted.
Councilman Mike Mingus asked the staff to explore the option of such an ordinance for Winder to enhance such events as the Lazy Daze at the Trax Music Festival in a safe and orderly manner.
Each event will require a resolution passed by the council to authorize the application of the ordinance for that event.
Also alcohol-related, the city council amended its ordinance related to a mixed drink excise tax. No funds have been collected to date for such an excise tax.
In other business, the council:
Approved the parade permit for the Jan. 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day March parade permit, starting from Quality Foods and concluding at White Oak Spring Missionary Baptist Church at King and New streets. The march will begin at 10:30 a.m. and conclude before the King Day program activities at 11:45 a.m.
Granted a beer, wine and liquor license for Tanya M. Sola’s new business, La Belle Weddings at 70 Church St., in Winder.
Approved the beer and wine permit for Shylender Kohakanda’s Quick Pick N Move at 59 W. May St., Suite A with a change in ownership and name.
Set the qualifying fees for the Nov. 3 election. The qualifying fee is $72 for the three council seats up for election this fall.
Qualifying will be Aug. 31 through Sept. 4. Ward 1, currently held by Sonny Morris; Ward 3, held by J.R. Parrish; and the At-Large post held by Mike Mingus will be up for election. The fees will be advertised in accordance with state law by Feb. 1.
Approved the rezoning request of Terry Twiddy and Danchelle Inc., for three lots on Georgia Avenue, 193, 197 and 201, from single-unit high density residential zone (R1-B) to Two-Family Residential (R-2), which Planning Director Barry Edgar would bring the rezoning into compliance with its use of 30 years.
A variance was also approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mary Ann Price represented the Winder Planning Board, which recommended approval at its Dec. 16 meeting.
The variances were on the 100-foot minimum lot width.
"The owner will be required to meet or exceed all required City of Winder building codes," said Edgar.
Granted a conditional use for Nicole Miranda and Duard Baxter Family Limited Partnership for a day care center at 160 N. Broad St., in Winder.
Approved a variance requests of Steven Matthew Lynn and owner, the Cora Robinson Estate, for property between 139 N. Center and 151 N. Center so Lynn can build a home in keeping with the Old Towne Winder style.
A drainage basin and storm drain lines must be relocated and Lynn is seeking to save the older large Dogwood and Oak trees on the property by placing the home and detached garage in a particular location on the lot.
Variances were granted also for lot width to 109 feet from 125 feet, lot square footage and read setback.
Set next month’s meeting for Tuesday, Feb. 10, with the work session beginning at 4:30 p.m.
